Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate Wedding

We love weddings at Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate. As a photographer, this is one of the most stunning venues in Los Angeles to photograph the bride and groom. Located in the hills overlooking the Santa Monica Mountains you will find this luxury private estate. Ceremonies are held on the private helipad with stunning views. Outdoor receptions are intimate and beautiful on the deck. Inside the estate wedding guests can enjoy dancing, cocktails, and the cake cutting ceremony.

Matt and Shana's Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate Wedding

On June 18, 2016, I had the privilege to be part of Matt and Shana's Malibu Rocky Oaks wedding. First and foremost thank you. This wedding was unreal. Timeless, elegant, yet whimsical. From the bougainvillea that hung from the top of the lattice over the rustic dining table where the wedding guest enjoyed first-class catering from Made by Meg to the handcrafted beverages. Shana's Peach Passion and Matt's Spicy Mule were a huge hit. The guests were in for a big surprise when the live band 16 Candles best 80's cover band was flown in from Chicago and played an unbelievable 2 hours set of just 80's music.

What Makes Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate a Perfect Choice

As a wedding photographer, I was like a little boy in a candy store. The Father of the bride had an impromptu first look of his daughter before the ceremony and the tears flowed. The bridal party was the perfect size for two groomsmen, two bridesmaids, two flower girls and a handsome ring bearer. The couple exchange wedding vows before their close family and friends atop the helipad. The 360-degree view is unbelievable. We took heirloom photos at every nook and cranny of this estate. I must say my favorite shot of the day was when we hoisted the bride and groom up on the main rock for a stunning sunset shot. Hilltop Vineyard, Tuscan Villa, Helipad, 360-degree view, infinity pool, and a timeless intimate wedding can only be had at Malibu Rocky Oaks. This private vineyard in the Santa Monica Mountains will leave you feeling like you just celebrated your special occasion in the clouds.Can't wait to shoot our next couple at Malibu Rocky Oaks Private Estate Vineyards.

How/when did you meet? Shana and Matt's Love story

We met in February of 2014 in passing at the Wild Goose Tavern in Costa Mesa. Matt stopped me as I walked through the room and attempted to say hello (actually: "Hi, we've met before, right?) , but I wasn't having it. LOL Two weeks later we were a match on Tinder and he texted me saying "Now I can say that we definitely have met before!" But I didn't remember him and when I told him that he probably just recognized me from another dating website he finally set the record straight - He admitted that he had been seeing me around at all of our local bars/restaurants for almost 2 years!! He said I was always with a big group of girls and he never saw an opportunity to say hi until that night at the Goose... when I blew him off. LOLLL I decided it was worth a shot and we had our first "date" (wine at my house) on February 28th. We celebrate that date as our anniversary because we ended up spending the whole weekend together and knew that we had found something special. 🙂 The rest is history!

How were you engaged?

Matt proposed on Friday, October 2nd at 1000 steps beach in Laguna. He told me we were going down to check out a new taco place. LOL I was totally surprised when he got down on one knee and laughed hysterically for several mins before I faced him long enough to say yes! We have it on video from a random beach goer. It's adorable. 🙂

What's unique about your wedding?

The venue is spectacular. We're getting married on a helipad!!! We're also flying in a well-known band from Chicago that I LOVE to do a 2-hour set at the end of the night - ALL 80's!!! The majority of our guests will also be staying in well-appointed beach houses in Malibu instead of hotels.

Here is what this engaged couple had to say about their future spouse

I love his tender heart. He has so much love for his family, close friends, our dog, and of course, me. Because of that, I know he'll be an amazing dad, too! He puts his heart into his work each and every day and continually strives to be a better partner than I ever dreamed was possible. He's my absolute best friend and I can't imagine doing life without him.

I love Shana because she is a partner in the truest sense of the word. We work amazingly well together as a team. Her values are rooted in a very loving family and in a family structure that I'd never experienced which is why I know she will be an amazing mother (I sorta stole that line). She is a daily reminder of why it's ok for me to be vulnerable. I love her, I trust her, and she's just an all around good person. I think that's all anybody can hope to ask for.